Suspect, officer shot during police response on Independence Drive

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A suspect and an officer were shot during a police response to a domestic disturbance on Sunday evening, according to a news release from Anchorage police.

Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at 7:47 p.m. on Sunday on Independence Drive near Sentry Drive, south of Abbott Road. Officers made contact with 32-year-old Christopher James Nickalaskey and he started to fight officers, according to the release.

“Officers were also advised that the person that lived there was known to be armed,” Sgt. Daniel Manasco said. “When officers made contact with him, he became very belligerent. Officers attempted to determine if he had a gun on him. He started to fight and reached for a weapon and the gun was discharged.”

The bullet hit Nickalaskey in the lower body and also hit an Anchorage police officer in the lower body.

After Nickalaskey fired the gun, he continued to fight and bit an officer on the hand, according to the release. Officers were able to detain the suspect without using their firearms, Manasco said.

The suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. The officer who was shot and the officer who was bitten were treated for minor injuries.

Following medical treatment, Nickalaskey was taken to the Anchorage Jail and is charged with fourth-degree assault, six counts of third-degree assault, third-degree misconduct involving a weapon (felon in possession) and second-degree misconduct involving a weapon.

Editor’s note: On Sunday night, Anchorage police did not say any officers were injured. On Monday morning, police disclosed the two officers’ injuries in a news release. This article has been updated to reflect the new information.

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